A formative investigation assessing menstrual health literacy in professional women’s football

Abstract

 The aim of this study was to assess and compare menstrual health literacy in professional women’s  football. A three-section questionnaire was completed by professional players (n = 25), development  players (n = 22) and staff (n = 19). The mean total knowledge score (out of 19) was lower for development  players (5.4 ± 2.9) than professional players (7.8 ± 3.2) and staff (9.1 ± 4.8) (p 50% correct answers. For each group, knowledge of the menstrual cycle (MC) was greater than knowl?edge of hormonal contraceptives (HC) (p < 0.001). Previous MC and HC education did not correspond to  higher knowledge scores in professional players (p = 0.823) or development players (p = 0.274). In  professional and development players, comfort of communication was influenced by the sex of whom  they were communicating with (p < 0.001), with a preference for females. In conclusion, results from the  present study suggest refined education strategies and new approaches are required for both players  and staff to improve menstrual health literacy in professional women’s football </p